Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, Bagudu explained that the committee is an ad hoc technical body established by President Bola Tinubu to advise on financing, coordination, and implementation strategies for the forthcoming national census—not to replace the functions of the NPC.

“The committee is not a substitute for the NPC. Its focus is to identify sustainable funding sources and offer guidance on timelines and institutional coordination for the enumeration process,” Bagudu stated.

Clarifying the Committee’s Mandate

Bagudu, who chairs the committee, addressed concerns raised by some geopolitical zones about their representation, stressing that members were selected based on the strategic relevance of their offices. The committee is expected to operate strictly within its five-point terms of reference:

1. Review the existing census budget to ensure alignment with current fiscal realities and national priorities.

2. Recommend possible funding sources, distinguishing between domestic resources and international partnerships.

3. Develop a comprehensive resource mobilisation strategy, engaging development partners, international agencies, and the domestic private sector.

4. Evaluate the NPC’s current preparations, logistics, and technical capabilities, recommending areas for immediate improvement.

5. Recommend an optimal and realistic date for conducting the census, considering funding and national factors.

“A national census is not a routine administrative exercise; it is a sovereign investment in evidence-based governance,” Bagudu emphasized.

Members of the Presidential Committee

In addition to Senator Bagudu as chair, members of the committee include:

• Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman, National Population Commission (Secretary)

• Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy

• Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation

• Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service

• Dr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General, National Identity Management Commission

• Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Private Secretary to the President

• Temilola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration (Office of the Chief of Staff)

Other senior officials from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies were also in attendance at the meeting.

Deadline and Importance

Bagudu disclosed that President Tinubu has directed the committee to submit preliminary recommendations within three weeks, a timeline he said reflects the urgency and significance of the task.

“The assignment before this committee is urgent and consequential. The timeline reflects the President’s confidence in this team to provide practical and well-considered advice,” he said.

He urged members to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, excellence, and commitment to national service, adding that the NPC has already laid a solid foundation for the census project.

“Our task is to assess what exists, advise on what is feasible, and unlock the next phase of action. This must be a model of institutional collaboration in service of the Nigerian people,” Bagudu said.

Background and Context

The formation of the committee followed a briefing by the NPC to President Tinubu on February 24, 2025, during which the commission presented its readiness to conduct a digital Population and Housing Census. The proposed enumeration exercise will include biometric data collection—such as fingerprinting, facial recognition, and voice capture—to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and accuracy.

The NPC proposed a N949 billion budget for the project, prompting President Tinubu to seek a more fiscally aligned approach through the Bagudu-led committee.

The President has since reaffirmed his commitment to a credible, modern, and data-driven census, viewing it as essential for effective planning in urbanization, public health, education, food systems, and social protection.

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